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He eventually left the motorway at junction four and after careering the full circuit of the roundabout he began to speed along the A491 Stourbridge Road.

When he reached a crossroads, he sailed through a red light and straight into the side of a car carrying a man and his 80-year-old mother.

She was hurt following the collision, although her injuries were not believed to be serious.

Thomas – who was also driving while disqualified and without insurance – then made his unsuccesful bid to escape on foot.

“The high speed while undertaking on the hard shoulder is shocking,” said Judge Cullum.

“All the while, you were putting at risk of serious injury or worse, hundreds of people.

“In some ways, the most shocking thing about the whole episode was when, having crashed, the rear door of your vehicle opened ... and out stretched the arm of your young child. What sort of person drives like that with their own three children and their partner in that vehicle?

“You didn’t wait to see how the people in the other vehicle were – you didn’t care about that.

“You even ran away from your own family.”

The court heard it was Thomas’s sixth conviction for dangerous driving, and that he also had 11 previous convictions for driving while disqualified.

He jailed Thomas, of Blowers Green Road, Dudley, for 18 months for dangerous driving, plus four months for driving while disqualified, to run consecutively.

11 previous convictions for driving while disqualified - so the previous sentencing was a deterrent then.

The courts need to start to crack down on repeat offenders a lot earlier as it's just becoming a farce.

11 previous convictions for driving while disqualified - so the previous sentencing was a deterrent then.
The courts need to start to crack down on repeat offenders a lot earlier as it's just becoming a farce.Hwicce

What I find most amazing is that someone can wield a lethal weapon in this way and receive such a lenient sentence. If I went out on the street and waved a shotgun around or a knife I'm pretty certain that I'd be sent away for a good deal longer than this. Of course we see it each time on those cops with camera programs and it's time the lawmakers woke to the fact that driving is a privilege and not a right.

What I find most amazing is that someone can wield a lethal weapon in this way and receive such a lenient sentence. If I went out on the street and waved a shotgun around or a knife I'm pretty certain that I'd be sent away for a good deal longer than this. Of course we see it each time on those cops with camera programs and it's time the lawmakers woke to the fact that driving is a privilege and not a right.moatler

not funny is it? you could be the most careful driver in the world, but if you meet a braindead lunatic like this you've had it. should be attempted murder or some other offence that puts him away for a long time.

not funny is it? you could be the most careful driver in the world, but if you meet a braindead lunatic like this you've had it. should be attempted murder or some other offence that puts him away for a long time.liketoknow

liketoknow wrote:
not funny is it? you could be the most careful driver in the world, but if you meet a braindead lunatic like this you've had it. should be attempted murder or some other offence that puts him away for a long time.

I totally agree. The sentence does not reflect the risk. The trouble is nothing happened apart from him hitting another car. The Judges do not look at what might have happened or the risk he might be in the future, it is ridiculous when he clearly does not heed the law.

[quote][p][bold]liketoknow[/bold] wrote:
not funny is it? you could be the most careful driver in the world, but if you meet a braindead lunatic like this you've had it. should be attempted murder or some other offence that puts him away for a long time.[/p][/quote]I totally agree. The sentence does not reflect the risk. The trouble is nothing happened apart from him hitting another car. The Judges do not look at what might have happened or the risk he might be in the future, it is ridiculous when he clearly does not heed the law.mrwrighty

Yet again the judicial service is letting the public down. Scum like this should be taught a serious lesson. How is this any sort of deterent. You wonder why the police bother chasing down criminals if their hard work is going to be insulted by such pathetic sentancing.

This menance will be out in no time at all and will do the same thing again! Hopefully next time he will just kill himself, but the way the world works he will probably kill an inocent family man who has worked hard all his life for his family and community.

Yet again the judicial service is letting the public down. Scum like this should be taught a serious lesson. How is this any sort of deterent. You wonder why the police bother chasing down criminals if their hard work is going to be insulted by such pathetic sentancing.
This menance will be out in no time at all and will do the same thing again! Hopefully next time he will just kill himself, but the way the world works he will probably kill an inocent family man who has worked hard all his life for his family and community.Whats-wrong-with-the-World?

When you hear about filth like this, and the risk they are prepared to put the police, the public, and even their own children to, you consider how wonderful it would be if people had to apply for a licence to reproduce! Wouldn't the world be a more pleasant and safer place?

When you hear about filth like this, and the risk they are prepared to put the police, the public, and even their own children to, you consider how wonderful it would be if people had to apply for a licence to reproduce! Wouldn't the world be a more pleasant and safer place?willing

It's sad that the police officers have to put their own lives in danger having to pursue idiots like this. The Prison sentence was far to lenient in this case and will not be a deterrent to him when he is released . Scum like this should be locked away for life.

It's sad that the police officers have to put their own lives in danger having to pursue idiots like this. The Prison sentence was far to lenient in this case and will not be a deterrent to him when he is released . Scum like this should be locked away for life.trevor_s

If the judge saw the video before sentencing, and considering his appalling previous convictions, its a total disgrace that he only got 18 months. There should be some system of appealing against such a lenient outcome !The judge should be removed from the bench as well as its obvious that he does not consider what this idiot has done to be as criminal as the rest of us.

If the judge saw the video before sentencing, and considering his appalling previous convictions, its a total disgrace that he only got 18 months. There should be some system of appealing against such a lenient outcome !The judge should be removed from the bench as well as its obvious that he does not consider what this idiot has done to be as criminal as the rest of us.mack18

brooksider wrote:
Jason Thomas was jailed in November 2013, so why has the story suddenly appeared on January 3rd 2014 as News?

It must have taken from November 2013 to total all his Road Traffic Offence up, mental Arithmetic is not one of our academics forte's these days

[quote][p][bold]brooksider[/bold] wrote:
Jason Thomas was jailed in November 2013, so why has the story suddenly appeared on January 3rd 2014 as News?[/p][/quote]It must have taken from November 2013 to total all his Road Traffic Offence up, mental Arithmetic is not one of our academics forte's these daysOlley Owl Owd Betts Barn

brooksider wrote:
Jason Thomas was jailed in November 2013, so why has the story suddenly appeared on January 3rd 2014 as News?

It must have taken from November 2013 to total all his Road Traffic Offence up, mental Arithmetic is not one of our academics forte's these days

Yet again a repeat offender with the equivalent of a loaded gun is let off lightly makes law abiding citizens see red if ever I lost one of my family or friends to an idiot like this I would have to campaign for justice he didn't even care about his own what a selfish piece of scum

[quote][p][bold]Olley Owl Owd Betts Barn[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]brooksider[/bold] wrote:
Jason Thomas was jailed in November 2013, so why has the story suddenly appeared on January 3rd 2014 as News?[/p][/quote]It must have taken from November 2013 to total all his Road Traffic Offence up, mental Arithmetic is not one of our academics forte's these days[/p][/quote]Yet again a repeat offender with the equivalent of a loaded gun is let off lightly makes law abiding citizens see red if ever I lost one of my family or friends to an idiot like this I would have to campaign for justice he didn't even care about his own what a selfish piece of scumkatpot

Have read the article and many of the comments I am now convinced that his actions are all for himself. He does not care about other road user, has no respect for pedestrians, and when it comes to his children, and less for their welfare and safety. He endangered their lives to a degree that any welfare department. Should now proceed to have his children removed from having any contact with him until they reach an age of deciding if they wish to be acquainted with their idiot of a father.

He has a string of offences yet the Judge in all his wisdom seems to have ignored the attempted killing of people and his own family by travelling at speed in excess of mandatory speed limits.

What is more upsetting is that he has been given a 10-year driving ban. This will be adhered for the period of his incarceration.

Have read the article and many of the comments I am now convinced that his actions are all for himself. He does not care about other road user, has no respect for pedestrians, and when it comes to his children, and less for their welfare and safety. He endangered their lives to a degree that any welfare department. Should now proceed to have his children removed from having any contact with him until they reach an age of deciding if they wish to be acquainted with their idiot of a father.
He has a string of offences yet the Judge in all his wisdom seems to have ignored the attempted killing of people and his own family by travelling at speed in excess of mandatory speed limits.
What is more upsetting is that he has been given a 10-year driving ban. This will be adhered for the period of his incarceration.Olley Owl Owd Betts Barn

Lock 'em up, lock 'em up. This does not work however short the term. Yes, he will not drive for 18 months (or less) but in the meantime he and his family are likely to be all living on public funds. Can we not put these people to work on some worthwhile public project which reduces the drain on the public funds? I am not advocating some kind of "chain gang", but surely there are public needs which could get useful, meaningful, hard work out of these individuals. Perhaps they might even acquire a useful skill.

Lock 'em up, lock 'em up. This does not work however short the term. Yes, he will not drive for 18 months (or less) but in the meantime he and his family are likely to be all living on public funds. Can we not put these people to work on some worthwhile public project which reduces the drain on the public funds? I am not advocating some kind of "chain gang", but surely there are public needs which could get useful, meaningful, hard work out of these individuals. Perhaps they might even acquire a useful skill.Old Uncle

brooksider wrote:
Jason Thomas was jailed in November 2013, so why has the story suddenly appeared on January 3rd 2014 as News?

It must have taken from November 2013 to total all his Road Traffic Offence up, mental Arithmetic is not one of our academics forte's these days

Neither is grammar, apparently.

[quote][p][bold]Olley Owl Owd Betts Barn[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]brooksider[/bold] wrote:
Jason Thomas was jailed in November 2013, so why has the story suddenly appeared on January 3rd 2014 as News?[/p][/quote]It must have taken from November 2013 to total all his Road Traffic Offence up, mental Arithmetic is not one of our academics forte's these days[/p][/quote]Neither is grammar, apparently.watchman_28

brooksider wrote:
Jason Thomas was jailed in November 2013, so why has the story suddenly appeared on January 3rd 2014 as News?

It must have taken from November 2013 to total all his Road Traffic Offence up, mental Arithmetic is not one of our academics forte's these days

Neither is grammar, apparently.

if he was jailed in November, look out! he'll probably be back on the road in time for Christmas.

[quote][p][bold]watchman_28[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Olley Owl Owd Betts Barn[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]brooksider[/bold] wrote:
Jason Thomas was jailed in November 2013, so why has the story suddenly appeared on January 3rd 2014 as News?[/p][/quote]It must have taken from November 2013 to total all his Road Traffic Offence up, mental Arithmetic is not one of our academics forte's these days[/p][/quote]Neither is grammar, apparently.[/p][/quote]if he was jailed in November, look out! he'll probably be back on the road in time for Christmas.liketoknow

RichieBeard wrote:
More &quot;do-gooders " on the bench. What sort of deterrent is 18 months ???
Could easily have been manslaughter !!! TEN YEARS MINIMUM would have
been more realistic.

What I can' understand is why we continue to give concurrent punishment. surly your honour if two offences are committed, then two separate items should be added up ,not added to, or have we arrived at the situation that it is just too much bother to jail these people for the correct tariffs?
And I think that not having insurance should be a criminal offence , and the punishment should show the serious danger it could and can cause, this punishment just laughed in the face of the police and the general public.
The person he hit, should force the police to recharge this idiot, because he was hit by an uninsured idiot, he will lose his no claims, and will receive from his own insurance company a large increase in his policy, plus he will be without a vehicle.

[quote][p][bold]RichieBeard[/bold] wrote:
More "do-gooders " on the bench. What sort of deterrent is 18 months ???
Could easily have been manslaughter !!! TEN YEARS MINIMUM would have
been more realistic.[/p][/quote]What I can' understand is why we continue to give concurrent punishment. surly your honour if two offences are committed, then two separate items should be added up ,not added to, or have we arrived at the situation that it is just too much bother to jail these people for the correct tariffs?
And I think that not having insurance should be a criminal offence , and the punishment should show the serious danger it could and can cause, this punishment just laughed in the face of the police and the general public.
The person he hit, should force the police to recharge this idiot, because he was hit by an uninsured idiot, he will lose his no claims, and will receive from his own insurance company a large increase in his policy, plus he will be without a vehicle.jd1950

brooksider wrote:
Jason Thomas jailed in November 2013, so why has the story suddenly appeared on January 3rd 2014 as News?
It must have taken from November 2013 to total all his Road Traffic Offence up; mental arithmetic is not one of our academics fortes these days

Neither is grammar, apparently.

Neither is grammar, apparently.
If He was jailed in November, look out! He will probably be back on the road in time for Christmas.

If November is when jailed was the starting period.

Corrections made.
Even yours (Liketoknow)
brooksider wrote:
Jason Thomas jailed in November 2013, so why has the story suddenly appeared on January 3rd 2014 as News?
It must have taken from November 2013 to total all his Road Traffic Offence up; mental arithmetic is not one of our academics fortes these days
Neither is grammar, apparently.
Neither is grammar, apparently.
If He was jailed in November, look out! He will probably be back on the road in time for Christmas.
If November is when jailed was the starting period.Olley Owl Owd Betts Barn

He gives we underclass's a bad reputation. Not much but a lobotomy would, it seems, make any difference to his career.

Maybe Jeremy Kyle can straighten him out? Looks like he's already walked into a truncheon on the way to McDoughnuts, too?

Prison doesn't seem to help educate them, either. So maybe community service in the Helmand Province?

He gives we underclass's a bad reputation. Not much but a lobotomy would, it seems, make any difference to his career.
Maybe Jeremy Kyle can straighten him out? Looks like he's already walked into a truncheon on the way to McDoughnuts, too?
Prison doesn't seem to help educate them, either. So maybe community service in the Helmand Province?Boadacia!

Quote: "He also disqualified him ffor another 10 years" (admittedly with a stutter... editor!!)

Jail is a start but disqualification will do nothing, he will be back on the road the day he gets out. This guy does not deserve to be part of society if he can't even show respect for anyone else or his own children.

Quote: "He also disqualified him ffor another 10 years" (admittedly with a stutter... editor!!)
Jail is a start but disqualification will do nothing, he will be back on the road the day he gets out. This guy does not deserve to be part of society if he can't even show respect for anyone else or his own children.Vox populi

RichieBeard wrote:
More &quot;do-gooders " on the bench. What sort of deterrent is 18 months ???
Could easily have been manslaughter !!! TEN YEARS MINIMUM would have
been more realistic.

What I can' understand is why we continue to give concurrent punishment. surly your honour if two offences are committed, then two separate items should be added up ,not added to, or have we arrived at the situation that it is just too much bother to jail these people for the correct tariffs?
And I think that not having insurance should be a criminal offence , and the punishment should show the serious danger it could and can cause, this punishment just laughed in the face of the police and the general public.
The person he hit, should force the police to recharge this idiot, because he was hit by an uninsured idiot, he will lose his no claims, and will receive from his own insurance company a large increase in his policy, plus he will be without a vehicle.

jd, you are looking for something that does not exist in this country called justice.

Justice would have this man working, away from the public, until he has paid back the cost of the police, the courts, his jail time, the other car plus compensation for the trauma caused to the driver. This would take many years so interest would need to be added.

Proper justice also acts as a proper deterrent.

[quote][p][bold]jd1950[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]RichieBeard[/bold] wrote:
More "do-gooders " on the bench. What sort of deterrent is 18 months ???
Could easily have been manslaughter !!! TEN YEARS MINIMUM would have
been more realistic.[/p][/quote]What I can' understand is why we continue to give concurrent punishment. surly your honour if two offences are committed, then two separate items should be added up ,not added to, or have we arrived at the situation that it is just too much bother to jail these people for the correct tariffs?
And I think that not having insurance should be a criminal offence , and the punishment should show the serious danger it could and can cause, this punishment just laughed in the face of the police and the general public.
The person he hit, should force the police to recharge this idiot, because he was hit by an uninsured idiot, he will lose his no claims, and will receive from his own insurance company a large increase in his policy, plus he will be without a vehicle.[/p][/quote]jd, you are looking for something that does not exist in this country called justice.
Justice would have this man working, away from the public, until he has paid back the cost of the police, the courts, his jail time, the other car plus compensation for the trauma caused to the driver. This would take many years so interest would need to be added.
Proper justice also acts as a proper deterrent.iamthebinman

What sort of 'father' subjects his children to such a traumatic journey?
It is hard to imagine whether these young children are brought up in an environment that enables them to make sound judgments if they follow their father's example. In my opinion, they are victims of this man's irrational behaviour.
The other victims - the car driver and his elderly passenger - must have been totally shocked by their horrific experience. Just going about their business in a lawful manner, only to be injured and subjected to mental trauma by the actions of a truly irresponsible and despicable man.
When this man comes out of prison, hopefully, his neighbours and the police will keep a watchful eye out to ensure he does not again drive whilst disqualified. Personally, I would have no hesitation in contacting the police if he were my neighbour and I saw him driving again during his disqualification period - it might save lives.
Sorry to rant on, but such people are not amongst my favourite type, having witnessed the horrors of very dangerous driving in the past!

What sort of 'father' subjects his children to such a traumatic journey?
It is hard to imagine whether these young children are brought up in an environment that enables them to make sound judgments if they follow their father's example. In my opinion, they are victims of this man's irrational behaviour.
The other victims - the car driver and his elderly passenger - must have been totally shocked by their horrific experience. Just going about their business in a lawful manner, only to be injured and subjected to mental trauma by the actions of a truly irresponsible and despicable man.
When this man comes out of prison, hopefully, his neighbours and the police will keep a watchful eye out to ensure he does not again drive whilst disqualified. Personally, I would have no hesitation in contacting the police if he were my neighbour and I saw him driving again during his disqualification period - it might save lives.
Sorry to rant on, but such people are not amongst my favourite type, having witnessed the horrors of very dangerous driving in the past!littlewhitebull